An Unexpected Surprise...Several Actually

Oh my neglected blog! I haven't updated this in two months - and what an AMAZING two months it's been!

I could do an entire blog just on our trip to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park - Doug and I took a few days and did an express version of a vacation but we packed in as much adventure as we could!...

I could do an entire blog just on the all the fun people we've played for this summer at senior communities, churches, and even in a greenhouse during a thunderstorm at Tuttle Orchards (that was fun!)...

Instead, I'll save my words for the most unexpected development of the summer: the hammered dulcimer!...

Some of you may recall (if you're subscribed to our newsletter!) being invited to a cookout we had at the end of June. Well, I invited my aunt to it and just casually mentioned that anyone with instruments could bring their gear and play too. Without knowing anything about my superfan status of Ted Yoder's awesome hammered dulcimer music (more on that later) she mentions to me that she's had a Master Works hammered dulcimer for nearly two years and due to having grandchildren around she's had it sitting in a closet for several months. Without me asking, she then offers to let me borrow it and learn how to play it!...

Do y'all realize how crazy this is?! I'd never seen or heard of this instrument except for one passing glance at a local event two years ago. Then I saw Ted's viral video last year and was captivated by his music and genuine midwest family. Now I get to learn how to play one?! What?...not only that but it's the same brand of instrument that Ted endorses and has AMAZING tone quality!

Seriously, I've had this thing for maybe 3 weeks and I get the chance to learn from one of the best ever?! Well, of course I'm not gonna stop there: I invested in a 1/1 lesson and feel like I've got a lot to keep me busy now! On top of all that I met some really amazing people in the area and had a wonderful time - I'm definitely going back and look forward to participating in the community! What an insane experience - and trust me this is the tip of the iceberg...I'm leaving out a lot!

I'm still riding high from all that and to help keep the motivation going I also have my freshly delivered copy of Ted's BRAND NEW CD. If you're in the area and see me at a traffic light you WILL hear this blaring from my minivan!! Please if you do nothing else, click here and go order a copy for yourself - I promise you won't be sorry!